[UPDATE 11 p.m.: Open] Car Fire Spreads to Vegetation West of Junction City, Closes Highway 299

Smoke rises beside State Route 299. [Photo from the CHP]

A vehicle fire that started west of Junction City on State Route 299 about 5:30 p.m. spread into nearby vegetation has caused the temporary closure of the highway, according the CHP in the Trinity River unit.

The incident occurred west of Lime Point where witnesses reported seeing smoke rising and a helicopter circling overhead.

According to Watch Duty, the fire spread approximately 1/4 acre into surrounding vegetation when the report came in. The fire has been given a low potential designation, and one helicopter was assigned to assist in the response.

The blaze began after a traffic collision sent a vehicle over an embankment, igniting the fire. As a result, the CHP is reported that SR-299 is closed at milepost 38 west of Junction City to allow emergency crews to safely access the site and conduct operations.

There is no estimate yet for when the highway will reopen. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: According to the CHP Trinity River Unit, “One Way Traffic Control is now in place. Please use caution and let emergency crews continue to work.”